Wichita Falls Colleges and Universities: A Focus on Midwestern State University
This article explores the landscape of higher education in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a particular focus on Midwestern State University (MSU Texas). MSU Texas stands out as a prominent institution with a rich history and a commitment to providing a comprehensive education to its students.
Midwestern State University: A Historical Overview
Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) is a public liberal arts university located in Wichita Falls, Texas. Its origins trace back to 1922 when it was established as the municipally owned Wichita Falls Junior College. The institution underwent a name change in 1937, becoming Hardin Junior College, coinciding with its relocation from Wichita Falls High School to its current site off Taft Boulevard. The name honored Mr. and Mrs. John Hardin.
In 1946, a significant development occurred with the addition of a senior division, leading to another name change to Hardin College. The evolution continued in January 1950, when the institution was renamed Midwestern University, while the junior college division retained the name Hardin Junior College.
The university's pursuit of accreditation led to its membership in the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in March 1948. A pivotal moment in the school's history arrived on September 1, 1961, when the 56th session of the Texas State Legislature transferred Midwestern University from the city of Wichita Falls to the Texas Colleges and Universities System, dissolving the junior college division.
Further expansion efforts saw the university break ground on a new campus in Flower Mound, Texas, on December 13, 2016.
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Academics and Unique Programs
MSU Texas holds the distinction of being the only university in Texas with membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). It also pioneered the establishment of a core curriculum as the first public university in Texas to do so. The university offers a range of programs, including an MBA with an energy management concentration and teacher education.
The Dalquest Desert Research Station, a 3,000-acre facility in West Texas near Big Bend Ranch State Park, provides unique research opportunities for biologists and geologists. This land was gifted by Walter W. Dalquest, a professor at MSU, and his wife, Rose, with the stipulation that it be used for scientific research.
Athletics
Midwestern State fields 13 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams and is a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC). The basketball and volleyball teams compete at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, while the football team plays at Memorial Stadium. The soccer teams utilize the MSU Soccer Field, and the softball team plays at Mustangs Park.
Student Life
Students at MSU Texas have a wide array of extracurricular activities to choose from. They can join 14 nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities, as well as over 100 other student organizations, including sports clubs. The campus also houses a newspaper, The Wichitan, and a student-run television channel and production studio, M&G Media.
The university provides on-campus housing options with four residence halls: Legacy Hall, McCullough-Trigg Hall, Killingsworth Hall, and Pierce Hall (currently under construction). Dining services underwent a significant remodel in 2016, resulting in new storefronts. Dining halls include the Mesquite Dining Hall and Maverick's Corner. Additional storefronts in the Clark Student Center feature Chick-fil-A and ACE Sushi, while Einstein Bros. Bagels is located in the Dillard College of Business Administration.
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Affiliation with the Texas Tech University System
On September 1, 2021, Midwestern State University officially became a member institution of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System). Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 1522, designating MSU Texas as the TTU System’s newest member. This partnership was the culmination of efforts from various individuals, including state Rep. James Frank, state Sen. , TTU System Chancellor Tedd Mitchell, and MSU Texas Board Chairman Caven Crosnoe.
Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., chancellor of the TTU System, expressed his excitement about welcoming the entire MSU Texas family to the TTU System. J. Michael Lewis, chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents, also welcomed Midwestern State University.
The decision to join the TTU System followed a period of consideration, including input and public comments from students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
Noteworthy Points
MSU Texas is committed to community outreach. The university emphasizes preparing dynamic graduates to meet the needs of Texas.
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